"Physical fitness"

[Jack Williams]

As promised here is my take on "physical fitness". I can only start with myself. I have never been a "fitness freak". In fact, "Phys-ed" and sport were always something to get out of if at all possible at school. I went in for "harriers'' which was distance running, if anything. I have always reckoned it is much better to maintain a "natural" level of fitness by walking, doing things manually rather than a motor on every tool and that sort of thing. I'm quite happy with my manual coffee grinder for instance! People who do a lot of sport or gym work etc and bring their bodies up to a really high level of "fitness", fall apart much more in later times if they don't keep it up(which is impossible in the longer term) than those who just keep a "normal" level going. However, i did let myself "belly out" somewhat over the years, but some years ago i caught a bug which meant for about a week i could only stomach a liquid diet of vegetable soup. This was really like a partial fast in that normal functionality was maintained over the period but the intake bulk was vastly reduced. After that was over i was really impressed with how my stomach had shrunk, and determined to keep it that way. All very well,but i did let my weight climb until about a year ago when i was 75kg(about 12stone,i.e. 168lb) which for my height(5'8'') is a bit much. Not having beer, and also going from bourbon and cola to Jameson's on the rocks got 2&a half kilos (about 6lb) off, but halving the existing food intake(same diet, which is basically sound, mainly vegetarian and fish) such as "one sandwich instead of two" etc got the other half a stone off, and i have managed to keep it that way, and my stomach has remained quite respectable. The thing about alcohol, i guess is to go for a higher concentration so you get the required effect without having to put an excess amount in. I'm back on the "bourbs"again, but the 10% ones. Not such a stomach extending or high sugary cola content, but still a nice icey drink on a hot day. I like a few glasses of port or red wine at other times. Pot does me no harm. So there you are, not an overly restricted lifestyle, but a nicely working bod which will probably chug along quite pleasantly for hopefully a goodly number of years yet. I am 69 years old at present and as "happy as Larry". Basically it boils down to not putting an excess amount of any of the stuff in, at least not on too regular a basis!

[Departed Member]

When I was on antibiotics, etc., for three months plus, earlier this year, I had to give up alcohol in any form, completely. On top of that, I rarely now even visit a pub! Weight loss? None (sadly)!

[cessna152towser]

I used to run half marathons, but now I go for long walks instead.
I drank alcohol in moderation until about ten years ago when my wife had her first stroke. After that I began to drink more than was good for me so I gave up alcohol completely four years ago.
I've gradually gone over to wearing kilts and skirts almost full-time, most recent day I wore trousers was 18th October, which I see as part of my fitness regime, due to the fertility benefits. I'd love to have the opportunity to father more kids some time in the future but for now God has tasked me with caring for dear Ann.

[Jack Williams]

Jack back for a small update. It so happens i got back results of health tests today after not having any done for a few years, i.e. blood, urine, stool, prostate. Glad to say all 100%. Only medication is the tissue-softening one, felodipine for the raised blood pressure caused by the stiffening of the arteries with age. It does a good job and makes me feel more flexible in many ways. Jack.

[Mipi]

The best recipy would be not to exaggerate in any way. That goes for healthy and unhealty behavior (sport, alchohol, food...)

Good for you Jack, that everything is OK and under control!

[Jack Williams]

I reckon that by the coming summer that lot might have reduced the ''beer gut'' enough for another lurk to work. While lying on one's back on the beach in the sun, for instance, if you raise your heels off the ground about 6''(150mm!) and count ''one,higgli-pigglie--two,higgli-pigglie, etc(which are about a second) for as long as is comfortable, the stomach muscles get tightened and you can get quite a civilized looking bod. Doesn't do much if the gut is still there though. I have been trying that again lately now that my weight is better than last summer. Jack.

[Departed Member]

While lying on one's back on the beach in the sun, .....

"in the sun?" What sun? We've reached the 16th day of the year here in the UK, and locally, said mystic apparition has popped 'out of the grey' for less than 10 hours - in total! Still, it's been a rather warm 41F today, despite the rain!

[Jack Williams]

Just having you on, as you me! Actually, on the carpet in front of the open fire is pretty pleasant too! Jack.

[ziggy_encaoua]

I walked two miles today in a pair of platforms

[Sarongman]

Good one Ziggy, convert it to kilometers and it seems a lot further at 3.2km!

[Jack Williams]

Ah, yes, but a mile is a mile! If i were to say to you ''I've walked kilometres in these shoes'' it would not be the same as: ''I've walked miles in these shoes'', even if the distance is the same. Jack.

[Jack Williams]

Has anybody tried out the above suggestions(or needed to of course) and how did it turn out? I thought of this while appreciating the appearance of (to me) a whole bunch of new members (over on "Pics and Looks') in some pretty fabulous outfits. Looks to which a bloke like me can only aspire. And of course they have the bods to do them justice. I know that is the first thing i thought about, to be a fitting (no pun intended) representative of Skirtcafe out there in the world in my skirt. I had to get the stomach in for a start...
Actually i got a bit slack earlier this year and let my weight get out to 72kg (165lb) when i don't want to be more than 70kg. So i just went strict on it and am now 68kg. The quack noticed when i went for a rutine lookover last week. So it must work.

[Bob]

There's a difference between physical fitness and maintaining a healthy body weight. You can have either one without the other.

[RichardA]

I cycle about 150 miles per week and go kayaking 3 times per month

[JRMILLER]

I do "weights" twice per week at the local Y, then 2 or 3 aerobic activities per week such as bike, tennis, etc. I would like to lose 10 lbs, but I am OK here too. I do love wine and beer, but confine it to the weekends. Mostly for weight control reasons.

All my life, I have enjoyed good health and as I approach 60, I want to hedge my bet in my favor as much as possible. Thus, I will continue to work out.

Another thought, as a guy who wears skirts and kilts in public, I would prefer to look my best physically while doing so. Clothing simply hangs better when there is no belly obstacle to work around. I have been on both sides of that spectrum in my life and prefer the appearance of a flat belly.